The United States is preparing to deport 545 Zimbabwean nationals as part of an intensified immigration enforcement campaign under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Recent data from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reveals that these individuals are among more than 1.4 million noncitizens flagged for deportation as of last November. With Trump’s return to office, immigration policies have become more stringent, resulting in the detention of over 500 undocumented individuals daily.
Under Trump’s strict “America First” policy, the U.S. government has ramped up deportations while also cutting aid to several developing nations, including African countries. The increased enforcement has affected a broad range of foreign nationals, not just Zimbabweans.
According to ICE’s latest report, those facing imminent removal also include 379 South Africans, 174 Zambians, 15 Mozambicans, and 12 Batswana, all categorized as “non-detained” but awaiting deportation.
In a statement, ICE emphasised its role in promptly executing deportation orders and called on foreign governments to facilitate the return of their citizens.
“ICE works to remove undocumented noncitizens from the United States once they are subject to final orders of removal in a timely manner,” the agency stated.
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The U.S. has previously faced diplomatic challenges in executing deportations. A notable standoff occurred when Colombia initially refused to accept a plane carrying 201 deported citizens. Trump responded with threats of sanctions, leading to a resolution of the dispute.
“The U.S. government believes every country is obligated to accept the return of its citizens and nationals who are ineligible to remain in the United States. Lack of cooperation from foreign governments delays and, in many cases, inhibits the removal process,” ICE warned.
The agency urged affected countries to confirm the citizenship of deportees, conduct interviews, issue travel documents promptly, and accept the return of their nationals via commercial or charter flights. Countries that fail to comply may be classified as “uncooperative” or “at risk of non-compliance.”
As of 2021, data from the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that over 80,000 Zimbabweans were living in the United States, many having migrated in search of better economic prospects. Zimbabwe’s struggling economy has driven tens of thousands to seek opportunities abroad, with many settling in Europe, Canada, Asia, New Zealand, and Australia.
With the latest crackdown, Zimbabwean immigrants in the U.S. now face an uncertain future as deportation policies continue to tighten.
